02. 11. 2024

Grad2Teach October News

Update for Phase 1 and AOR Trainees

Grad2Teach Training Day 2

It was a pleasure meeting some of our Phase 1 and AOR trainees at the Grad2Teach Training Day 2 in Peterborough. Trainees shared that it was a fantastic opportunity to connect, strengthen their teaching skills, and mentally prepare for the PGCE. The day featured practical workshops with a focus on lesson planning, observing colleagues, and effective behaviour management, designed to build confidence and offering the added benefit of shared experiences.

See below for some pictures from the day.

Update for Phase 2 (PGCE) Trainees

Managing Behaviour Seminars

Last week, we hosted two seminars on Managing Behaviour with guest speakers Ornella Shosola, a Secondary Languages expert and Jason Gilman-Hughes, a former Primary Headteacher. Recordings will be available soon.

They were especially useful training for first-term PGCE trainees completing Term 1 Module 1, and beneficial for all as free CPD.

Watch out for links to view or download, or email us to request access.

Update for Phase 1 and AOR In-School Mentors (ISMs)

Professional Conduct in Schools: A Teacher Training/Grad2Teach Perspective

Professional conduct in schools is vital for fostering a positive learning environment and ensuring effective educational outcomes. At Grad2Teach, from the very start of our training, we emphasise the importance of behaviours that uphold integrity and professionalism in all interactions with students, colleagues and the broader community.

First and foremost, Grad2Teach trainees must model respectful behaviour. This includes maintaining appropriate boundaries with students and upholding a standard of fairness and equity. Grad2Teach incorporates scenarios in our training that help future educators navigate complex situations, such as handling conflicts or addressing sensitive issues with care and professionalism.

Professional conduct extends to collaboration with colleagues. Therefore, Grad2Teach trainees are encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue, share resources and support one another, fostering a collaborative culture. Professionalism also involves continuous professional development, therefore, Grad2Teach urges our trainees to stay updated on educational practices, engage in lifelong learning and ensure that their 'online identify' remains private.

Adherence to school policies and legal regulations is another critical aspect of our training. Grad2Teach emphasises the importance of understanding school codes of conduct, safeguarding policies and protecting the rights of students. Ultimately, instilling a strong sense of professional conduct during their training and beyond ensures that our trainee teachers not only excel in their role, but also contribute positively to the overall school climate, paving the way for successful student outcomes and a thriving educational community.

On a final note, we're thrilled to announce that we have booked Alan Newland, the writer of 'Becoming a Teacher: The legal ethical and moral implications of entering society's most fundamental profession' as a guest speaker for next year's Training Day 3 event, where he will be equipping our Grad2Teach trainee teachers with the best understanding, language and perspective to deal with a range of contentious and sensitive issues that they are likely to encounter during the course of their career. You can take a look at his inspiring and motivating guide below:

Becoming a Teacher by Alan Newland

Update for Phase 2 (PGCE) In-School Mentors

What will Autumn 2 look like for your trainee? And FREE CPD!

As we approach the second half of the Autumn term, it's important for PGCE mentors to know what's coming up in this busy and absence-riddled period:

For first-term mentors:

IT&P sessions are now over until January.
Assignment 1 deadline is coming: is your trainee close to submission? Alex and the NITE Academic Writing team remain available to support.
Check your training modules: the DfE-directed mentor training is in full-swing, and mentors can select their preferred NASBTT modules. Speak to your trainee's ULM about this if you're unsure, or reach out to Alex (alexb@grad2teach.ac.uk).

For second-term mentors:

It's your trainee's Contrasting Placement Term, meaning you'll be without them for a time and, hopefully, they return with fresh ideas and renewed vigour to see out the term with success and confidence. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all!

For final-term mentors:

Having hosted two workshops now on the Viva and Assignment 3, and spoken with the Pastoral Teams at NITE, it seems most people are in a good place. However, with just 1.5 weeks to go before final deadlines (Vivas can be booked as late as Thursday 21st November, though), any stragglers will need urgent support. Please reach out to Alex (alexb@grad2teach.ac.uk) ASAP if you are concerned about, or do not have time to support your trainee's Viva prep. - we can fill in if needed and this often sits outside regular meeting arrangements.
Almost all our final-termers will be joining their training schools as ECTs in January, and a common question is how long the QTS Certificate takes to come through: officially, up to 12 weeks is advised, but it should be quicker, and trainees are advised to access their online certificate using their TRN if evidence is required urgently.

Finally, for everyone, our university partner, NITE, have very kindly put together a suite of free CPD that's available to everyone on specific dates:

Click here to view NITE's FREE CPD

Grad2Teach Alumni Trainees

Guidance, research and resources that you can refer to as part of your CPD for your teaching practice and leadership aspirations

Teach Like a Champion

The above website has a wealth of resources that you can refer to without having to buy the latest version of Teach Like a Champion Field Guide 3.0 by Doug Lemov. However, the latest edition includes Doug Lemov’s recent research, new techniques explained in more detail, 10 new techniques and extremely useful videos.

The website also has very informative blogs and free resources. Here are a few links to get you started:

Teach like a Champion Free Resources

Step One for a Productive and Positive Classroom: Strong Procedures and Routines for Participation | Teach Like a Champion

Leadership aspirations: Shadow a middle leader in your own or a partnership school

One of the best ways to find out about the true nature of middle leadership roles in schools is to shadow a strong middle leader for a day, or over a series of weeks. The leader does not need to be in your subject area, phase/year group or even in your own school but it will give you an insight into the many different responsibilities involved in middle leadership. Do factor in time to discuss the personal qualities and skills that have enabled them to be successful in their role.

Update from the Partnerships Team

Celebrating Excellence in Education: Norfolk Education Awards 2024

We are thrilled to tell you about our participation in the Norfolk Education Awards 2024, an event dedicated to recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements of schools, teachers, and students across Norfolk. These awards highlight the dedication, innovation, and hard work that go into providing high-quality education in Norfolk.

One of the highlights of this year’s awards was the involvement of our very own Ally Burrell, one of our dedicated Partnership Coordinators. Ally had the honour of serving on the judging panel, where she was able to witness first-hand the remarkable efforts and accomplishments of the nominees. Additionally, Ally had the privilege of presenting the award for the Secondary School of the Year.

Being part of the Norfolk Education Awards is a testament to our ongoing commitment to supporting and enhancing education in Norfolk and beyond. Grad2Teach works tirelessly to collaborate with schools, offering a range of resources, training, and partnership opportunities designed to empower educators and elevate student success.

Through our partnerships, we provide valuable support that includes professional development for teachers, innovative educational programmes, and resources tailored to meet the unique needs of each school. Our goal is to foster an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and every teacher feels equipped to inspire and educate effectively.

As we celebrate the achievements highlighted by the Norfolk Education Awards 2024, we are reminded of the incredible impact that dedicated educators and supportive communities can have on the lives of students. We are proud to be a part of this journey and look forward to continuing our work with the amazing schools in Norfolk and beyond.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring and we are excited to see what the future holds for education in our region. Together, we can continue to achieve great things and make a lasting difference in the lives of students.

Feedback from our Trainees

How do our Grad2Teach Phase One and Assessment-Only Route Trainees feel about their teacher training experience?

Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews! At Grad2Teach, we truly value our trainees' hard work and feedback. We'll keep using your insights to make our course the best it can be.